Wildwood Amends Fire Department Ordinance; Opens Door for Countywide Volunteers

WILDWOOD ─  Volunteering as a firefighter lends another solemnity to the lives of those who seek to protect their communities.
For decades, many young people would find their path at the local fire station, volunteering as they pursued a career in their hometown.
Times changed: economic conditions, higher education options, and other factors drew young people farther afield. Heritage smacked up against practicality.
Wildwood volunteers no longer have to choose between heritage and other priorities.
According to Fire Chief Daniel Spiegel, a Federal Emergency Management Agency grant provides more compensation and the ability to work a shift alongside career fighters, allowing them to work other jobs.
“No more pagers,” said Spiegel Oct. 11. He referred to the radio devices that firefighters carry to alert them of a fire call.
The Duty Crew Program offers volunteers extra incentives while acknowledging other aspects of a volunteer’s life. Recruiting volunteers is countywide, no longer restricted to the Wildwoods.
According to Spiegel, a volunteer must spend 180 hours to become a “Fire I,” and many cannot devote the hours required.
Fire service opens doors for other careers such as emergency medical services.
Mayor Ernie Troiano, whose father served as fire chief, is pleased with the program.
“The days of volunteer fire companies are dwindling,” Troiano said. Troiano added that a lack of volunteers is a “universal problem” and not unique to the city.
Troiano’s son, Deputy Fire Chief Ernie Troiano III, testifies of the pride and roots of the Wildwood volunteer companies in earlier comments.
“I’m third generation,” Troiano told the Herald “It’s a big commitment.”
Troiano, whose family settled in Wildwood in the early 1900s, said he is dedicated to preserving the firefighting heritage of the city. Troiano said the Duty Crew Program “takes it to a whole new level” as volunteers work beside career firefighters. 
According to Troiano, 95 percent of present career firefighters began as volunteers, including Troiano’s grandfather.
Wildwood firefighters are trained in various types of rescue such as open water and construction site rescue along with fighting fires on the Boardwalk.
Being able to arrive on a scene quickly is paramount, said Spiegel.
By working a Duty Crew Program shift, volunteers can deploy in case of an emergency without having to leave another job or in the middle of the night.
The Herald asked Spiegel for further comment concerning the duty program and any conflicts it may introduce with the Wildwood Firefighters FMBA Local 50.
According to Spiegel, no conflicts or implication of conflicts have arisen between the city and union. Spiegel explained that the FEMA grant, due to the SAFER grants awarded to the city, is a “hybrid” grant and was deemed necessary by FEMA.
The SAFER grant was made available from FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security. The ordinance passed unanimously at the Oct. 25 City Commissioners’ meeting.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.